In a significant development aimed at enhancing economic ties, Pakistan and Bangladesh are actively exploring the establishment of a ferry service and a direct shipping line to boost trade and tourism between the two nations. This initiative was discussed during a meeting between Pakistan's Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Bangladesh's High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan in Islamabad. As reported by Daily Times and Profit by Pakistan Today on February 12, 2026, both countries are keen on improving maritime connectivity, which Chaudhry emphasized would "support tourism and commercial activity" and contribute to "regional economic integration." The proposed ferry service is expected to facilitate people-to-people contact and open new trade corridors across the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, offering a cost-effective transport option and reducing logistical constraints for exporters and importers.